There are many things about retiring from federal service that are considered irrevocable, permanent and “one-time only.” This kind of language can make people nervous about the transition from employee to annuitant.

But there are several things you can -- and often need to -- change after you retire. Here’s a list of the top five:

Health: Retirees are eligible to participate in the annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Program open season, just like active employees. The difference is that retirees make changes to their insurance directly with OPM. Retirees also can make other changes outside of the open enrollment period. For example, when you turn 65, you have a personal open season allowing you to change your health plan to something that might work better with Medicare. Here’s more information about FEHBP and Medicare. You can find a list of permissible changes for retirees on OPM Form 2809.

Life: You can’t increase your Federal Employees Group Life Insurance in retirement, but you can cancel it if you decide you no longer need it (as long as it has not been “assigned”). There’s no standard form to do so. Instead, you must write a letter to: Office of Personnel Management Retirement Operations Center, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, Pennsylvania 16017-0045. Any cancellation or reduction of life insurance must be in writing and have an original signature by the insured retiree. Be sure to include your retirement claim number (CSA number) or Social Security number and specify exactly what action you want taken. If you develop a terminal illness, you can choose living benefits under FEGLI, which in effect allows you to become your own beneficiary of your basic life insurance.

Long-Term Care: If you did not enroll in a long-term care insurance plan while you were employed, you may be eligible for coverage after you retire under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Your spouse may also be able to enroll in a plan as well. There are medical underwriting requirements to be eligible for enrollment.

3. Your Tax Withholding

Retirees may choose to have taxes withheld from their federal retirement annuity, Social Security benefits and monthly payments from the TSP. You can find more information about adjusting these withholdings online: